Gasoline and crude oil prices climb slightly

SANDY SHORE, AP Business Writer

Gasoline prices are still climbing but some relief may be in sight by Tax Day.

The national average rose about half a cent to $3.93 per gallon on Friday. That's only about a nickel less than last year's high of $3.98 a gallon, reached in May.

Analysts think pump prices will top $4 a gallon nationally within the next couple of weeks and then start falling because of ample supplies and weakening demand.

In addition oil prices have leveled off on signs that the U.S. and other countries could soon release some emergency reserves to keep prices from rising.

Benchmark U.S. oil rose 65 cents to $103.43 per barrel in New York Friday, while Brent crude rose 77 cents to $123.16 per barrel in London.